Route du Rhum: The Atlantic’s Most Epic Solo Sailing Challenge

Few sailing events rival the excitement and challenge of the Route du Rhum, the legendary solo transatlantic yacht race.

At TA-DAH.TV, we love feats of epic human endurance. So, you know we had to investigate this event in more detail.

Imagine setting sail alone across the vast, unpredictable Atlantic Ocean, with nothing but your skill, determination, and a racing yacht standing between you and glory.

Like the incredible Vendée Globe yacht race, this test of maritime mettle pits some of the best sailors in the world against unforgiving waters. Check out our video now to learn more about this awesome challenge. Or keep reading for the full rundown.

What Is the Route du Rhum?

The Route du Rhum has become a hallmark of solo ocean racing. Founded in 1978 by French entrepreneur Michel Etevenon, he wanted to create a transatlantic race that would push sailors to their absolute limits.

Known as the “Queen of Transatlantic Races,” it brings together professional and amateur sailors alike, offering an equal opportunity to chase glory.

The race spans 3,542 miles (6,562 kilometers) across the Atlantic, stretching from the historic port of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France, to the tropical paradise of Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe.

The Route du Rhum is not for the faint of heart. It’s a true maritime marathon that has been capturing the imagination of sailing enthusiasts for over four decades.exposing competitors to the harsh realities of solo sailing—unpredictable weather, isolation, and grueling physical demands.

A Race Like No Other

What makes the Route du Rhum truly special is its incredible diversity. Unlike many sailing competitions, this race welcomes a remarkable variety of boats and sailors – from professional racers to passionate amateurs, all united by their love of the ocean and their hunger for adventure.

The Six Spectacular Boat Categories

The race features six jaw-dropping boat categories, each with its own unique character. Let’s get you more acquainted with each class now.

1.  Ultim32/23: The speed demons of the sailing world. These massive, cutting-edge vessels are designed to absolutely fly across the Atlantic.
2.  IMOCA: 60-foot ocean racing monohulls that are essentially floating laboratories of maritime innovation.
3.  Ocean Fifty: 50-foot multihulls that bring serious competitive energy to the race.
4.  Class40: A category perfect for amateur and professional racers alike, featuring 40-foot monohulls.
5.  Rhum Mono: A fascinating mix of boats ranging from 40 to 60 feet, including everything from modern prototypes to historic vessels.
6.  Rhum Multi: Multihulls under 64 feet that promise intense, nail-biting competition.

Breaking Records and Challenging Limits

The 2022 race was a testament to human endurance and technological marvel. Charles Caudrelier blazed across the finish line in his Maxi Edmond de Rothschild Ultim in an astonishing 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds.

Hot on his heels were François Gabart and Thomas Coville, with veteran sailor François Joyon making an impressive fourth-place finish.

Controversy in 2022 Route du Rhum

Unfortunately, the 2022 installment of the maritime challenge ended in tragedy when two people lost their lives in the final stages of the event.

The incident involved the capsizing of a support boat, resulting in the deaths of 35-year-old François Naveilhan. This event occurred when the boat hit an oncoming wave, causing it to overturn and trap several passengers underneath.

This awful incident underpins just how challenging this event is.

More Than Just a Race: How Route du Rhum Celebrates Diversity

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Route du Rhum is its growing diversity. Each edition sees more women taking on this incredible challenge, shattering stereotypes and proving that courage knows no gender.

Legendary sailors like Ellen MacArthur, who won twice (in 1998 and 2002), have become icons, inspiring a new generation of sailors to push beyond perceived limitations.

The Magic of Saint-Malo

The race doesn’t just start in Saint-Malo – it transforms the entire city into a sailing festival. Imagine 13 days of build-up, with each boat category getting its own parade, and over 1.35 million visitors turning up to witness the spectacle.

The historic port city becomes a carnival of maritime excitement, celebrating its deep connection to the sea.

Find More Sailing News on Our Dedicated Sports Channel

As we look forward to future editions, one thing is certain: the Route du Rhum will continue to evolve, inspire and challenge the very definition of what’s possible in solo sailing.

If you like the sound of this epic adventure, then you’ll love the other events we cover on our awesome Sports Channel.